Page 31 - Education Issue

see that the earlier we teach and work Herstory
on this the better. Why not start with our
children?” Through her practice, Ms. Patel
also found it difficult to find resourc-
es that address everyday challenges By Sharon Hightower
through the lens of a child’s eye and writ-
ten in a story format with practical tools I hadn’t particularly thought about the worldview as a young person
that help educators and parents. and not really as a young adult, but I came face-to-face with the man's
Her first two stories, published by view when I applied to the local university.
Kind Eye Publishing, LLC, help to fill that I had graduated with an AA some 12 years after finishing high
void. “My Friend Max: A Story About school, and I'd been satisfied with that, but I was in the field of account-
a Friend with Autism” tells the story
about a young boy with Autism and his ing, and many people felt I should have a bachelor's degree even though
typically developing best friend and how I had years of experience and had even owned my own bookkeeping
we can learn to create bonds no matter company. Nonetheless, at some point, I gave in and decided to get the
what our differences may be by learn- 4-year degree.
ing the proper ways to communicate. At the time, there was a department at the school that was in charge
“Winnie & Her Worries”, released just of verifying that incoming juniors had indeed met all the requirements
this past month, offers an anxiety relief for the two years of undergraduate work. The folks at the community
toolbox for children and their caretakers college had assured me that the history course I took, which was titled
in an easy to understand story format. It “Herstory" would indeed be credited as the U.S. History course that was
is Ms. Patel’s hope to use these stories to required.
start a dialogue to help address crucial Ah. Not so. Au contraire. The university would not accept Herstory
topics such as inclusion, compassion, in lieu of History. The herstory course was fascinating in that it pre-
friendships, and working through stress
and anxiety. sented women’s role in the building of this country. And it turns out
Of course, all of these professional we were quite involved – long before Rosie the Riveter. For instance,
ambitions don’t come easy, especially a woman actually finished Paul Revere’s famous ride. Anyway, I im-
when having to deal with the reality of mensely enjoyed it and was pleased not to have to take yet another
creating that work/life balance. Ms. Patel history course. I mean how many times do we study history in school?
says, “As a parent, the work/life balance Anyway, the woman who did my review was adamant, so I had to
is always a juggle because I am devoted take U.S. History 101 before she would accept my application to the
to and love it all… however, you do not university.
have to sacrifice one area in your life to I think folks may be more flexible nowadays, but rules were rigid
do another.” Ms. Patel continues to strive then. You didn’t spit in the wind. You didn’t have sex before marriage.
for the best in all areas of her life. She And you didn’t fight city hall.
is nominated for San Diego Magazine It may have been the first time I truly realized it was a man's world,
“Woman of the Year”, she continues to
write children’s stories, provides un- but it surely wasn't the last.
matched support to her community and
beyond via her private practice and train-
ing, and she will always be an advocate,
educator and support to school districts.
As Ms. Patel contends, “There is never
an end to learning.” Her journey is far
from over, and she plans on enjoying
every moment of it.
“My Friend Max: A Story About a
Friend With Autism” & “Winnie & Worries:
An Anxiety Relief Toolbox for Children
and their Caretakers” are available via
Amazon.com and on Kind Eye Publish-
ing’s online store at www.KindEyePub-
lishing.com
For more information regarding Re-
ena B. Patel or her programs please visit
www.AutiZmandMore.com

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